PDA

View Full Version : Christianity & the martial arts (Budo) article I wrote



dsomers
21st February 2006, 03:17
Hello everyone! For a while now, I've been putting together an article
on what Budo (Martial Arts) is, & is not. Then I began thinking about
doing an article on what the martial arts is from a christian point of
view; and how it relates to the scripture found within the word. Some
of may/may not be christians, if not, I hope you do not take this
article offensive by me sending it to you; & hope you enjoy reading
about what true martial arts is truly about, from my perspective. As
with everything else there is many ways of looking at things, but,
this is my testimony, of what both Karate/Budo has done for me, as
well as my Lord, & Saviour, Jesus Christ. I do hope you enjoy, & let
me know your thoughts. Here it is:
http://www.angelfire.com/fl5/okinawagojuryu/ChristianBudo.html

Blackwood
21st February 2006, 03:39
I like it David! PM on its way.

Hattori
21st February 2006, 06:53
http://jesusneverexisted.com/index.html

Mark Murray
21st February 2006, 12:54
http://jesusneverexisted.com/index.html

Please keep your posts on-topic. Mr. Somers did combine his views of budo with religion, so posting a link of a purely religious nature is off-topic. If you have a view of religion and budo, please post it. As the rules state, keep it respectful. Otherwise, I'll delete it.

Thank you,

momoyama katsu
21st February 2006, 13:17
dave, nice article... I'm not a christian so I would not know about scripture... but I have learning disabilities that Aikido helped me with. so... I guess we can see eye to eye on at least one thing.

dsomers
21st February 2006, 16:21
Mr. Kemlo,

Thank you for posting the link. Man, my God is an awesome God! I love him so much!
You want proof, i'll give you proof. How about our measure of time. BC stands for before christ. AD which some think stands for after death, actually means, Anno Domini. Anno Domini means in the year of our lord. Everything prior to Jesus' birth was considered BC, after he was born was considered AD. We are now living in AD. If you live by the western calendar, w/ the 12 months, 365 days a year, you are living by a calendar which was based on the birth of our lord, & saviour, Jesus Christ.
If you would like other proof of that the bible is the truth, please let me know. I love to share the word. There are things written in the word, that were written 1000's of years ago, guess what their comming true now. You want proof, just ask. Just let me know, cause in John 14:6 it says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

David

treesurfer78
21st February 2006, 16:56
Hi all,

Nice article and well backed up with scripture. I'm a Christian too (although feeling far from God at the mo!) I study karate and iaido and have looked at other martial arts too.

One question though, if I may? Jesus taught pacifism. He turned the other cheek and encourage his followers to do likewise. Therefore, in a self-defense situation, would you put your budo skills into use and try and defeat your opponent or do as Jesus did and let your opponent duff you up?

dsomers
21st February 2006, 17:05
I forgot to attach this link, for more info on AD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Domini
We can continue this dissussion here, w/ the permission of Murray San, if he would allow us????? Or, we can go to PM, if you would wish.
The reason why I said in my previous post " Man, my God is an awesome God! I love him so much! " This is something I've been wanting to address for so long, proof of his exisitence, & that the bible is the truth. I'd love to discuss it further. We can do so here, w/ Murray San's permission, or we can take it elsewhere. I will probablly be setting up a blog soon, w/ this article on it. Where I would welcome you to come discuss this issue there Mr.Kemlo, or anyone else. Maybe that would be a more appropriate place. It might take me a few weeks to get this set up though, because this article alone has taken me several months to get it finalized, between doing the research in the word, finding the time to write it, figuring out the right html codes (as I am not a webmaster, just a guy that likes to share whatever his knowledge he has w/ others), choosing the wording, etc. ; I'm sure setting up a blog of this sort, would take up much time, as well. But, will be done eventually, on his time! If you'd like to hold your comments till then, I would be more then happy to address them, at that time.

David

Mark Murray
21st February 2006, 17:37
I forgot to attach this link, for more info on AD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Domini
We can continue this dissussion here, w/ the permission of Murray San, if he would allow us????? Or, we can go to PM, if you would wish.
The reason why I said in my previous post " Man, my God is an awesome God! I love him so much! " This is something I've been wanting to address for so long, proof of his exisitence, & that the bible is the truth. I'd love to discuss it further. We can do so here, w/ Murray San's permission, or we can take it elsewhere. I will probablly be setting up a blog soon, w/ this article on it. Where I would welcome you to come discuss this issue there Mr.Kemlo, or anyone else. Maybe that would be a more appropriate place. It might take me a few weeks to get this set up though, because this article alone has taken me several months to get it finalized, between doing the research in the word, finding the time to write it, figuring out the right html codes (as I am not a webmaster, just a guy that likes to share whatever his knowledge he has w/ others), choosing the wording, etc. ; I'm sure setting up a blog of this sort, would take up much time, as well. But, will be done eventually, on his time! If you'd like to hold your comments till then, I would be more then happy to address them, at that time.

David

You created this thread for the discussion of Budo and Christianity. I have no problems with respectfully following that course. But, I don't want to see it turn into a Christianity only thread. There are other, better places that are more suited to that kind of discussion. So, please try to keep this discussion on topic. There are way too many things to discuss in just the area that you initiated, so I'm sure we can find many interesting aspects to it.

Thanks,

dsomers
21st February 2006, 17:38
One question though, if I may? Jesus taught pacifism. He turned the other cheek and encourage his followers to do likewise. Therefore, in a self-defense situation, would you put your budo skills into use and try and defeat your opponent or do as Jesus did and let your opponent duff you up?

That is a tough question to answer. Thank you! I've often thought about that scripture, as well. Christianity, just like Budo, is something personal, it might mean something else to you, then it does to me.
But, to answer your question from the way I look at it, I 1st must explain that I believe some scripture are metaphors. I believe this may be one of them. To turn the other cheek to me, is when somone offends you, you turn the other cheek. In other words, when somone offends you, instead of getting upset w/ them, think & pray on it, trust in God. Believe in him, he will have the right answer for you. If somone offends you, tell them that is ok, you might wanna share some scripture w/ them, & as Christians we are taught to forgive our tresspassers. So, we must forgive them. This might take time, it might take days, months, even years. I believe in confronting the individual that offended me, explain to them how/why they offended me, forgive them, tell them there is no hard feelings towards them, & you want to start over fresh. Hopefully, they will recognize that they offended you, & appologize for their actions, but, sometimes, that might not happen. You just gotta ask God to provide them w/ a healing, so they dont continue to offend you, & keep them in prayer. When you forgive them completely, you start anew, I believe this is turning the other cheek, in my opinion.
Because in Psalms 144:1, it tells us, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight".
While our God is not a violent God, he wants us to be prepared, because he talks about all this stuff comming true in Mark 13 (BTW, Mr.Kemlo please read it). He will give us the strength, knowledge, & wisdom to guide us throughout anything that may come before us. Because in Phil.4:13 it tells us "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". All you have to do is believe.

While I am no Pastor, Priest, nor have I completed any seminary, or any biblical college, I can only share what it means to me, as a Man of God, & what he has done for me personally.

David

dsomers
21st February 2006, 17:43
You created this thread for the discussion of Budo and Christianity. I have no problems with respectfully following that course. But, I don't want to see it turn into a Christianity only thread. There are other, better places that are more suited to that kind of discussion. So, please try to keep this discussion on topic. There are way too many things to discuss in just the area that you initiated, so I'm sure we can find many interesting aspects to it.

Thanks,

Thank you for your reply. I will start putting the blog together hopefully later this week, when I have more time. That would probablly be a much better place for that type of discussion. I do hope that Mr.Kemlo, & anyone else that may oppose his existence, the truth, etc, that they respect your wishes, as well. Again, thank you for your reply. Now, gotta go train!

Inazuma
21st February 2006, 23:32
Would you say that all Martial Arts, Budo, Etc. would follow suite to fit within the teachings of Jesus?
Would all paths of Christianity able, and indeed willing to embrace such teachings as those of the Martial nature (Budo, Bushi, Bujutsu, all definitions relating to War, and the intent to Kill)?
What about etiquette such as giving respect and prayer to Kami such as Marishiten?
Arts that have developed along to become sportive, oriented around competitions, would their practice be endorsed by Jesus? (What do the Christian teaching say about winning by subduing others?)

I do have some more questions, but I'll have to think how to phrase them...

momoyama katsu
22nd February 2006, 01:41
bud is generally influenced by buddhism. so... do you think the philosophies of Christ and of amitabha are compatible?

Blackwood
22nd February 2006, 02:09
I'm a bit surprised that on a budo board that you are unaware of Christ's command:


Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"

"Nothing," they answered.

He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Luke 22: 35-36

There are arts that mix religion with budo. I do not practice any of them.

An individual's choices are something they have to resolve with their god. I am not going to be arrogant enough to tell someone what God will and will not accept or forgive.

Karate promotes awareness of one's self, both body and mind, as well as the world around you. This not only helps when attacked, but also helps when dealing with everyday situations. The ability to react to a door opening in your face is just as much self defense as avoiding getting hit! The flexibility and strength, as well as the cardiovascular benefits, obtained through participation in karate will keep you healthy through a long life.

And as for protecting myself and my family, no problem. Christ preached peace. He didn't preach letting one's self be killed.

Hattori
22nd February 2006, 04:35
Christ preached peace.

Did he?


"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." – Matthew 10:34

Sound peaceful to you? Or how about -


"For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." – Matthew 10.35,36

or


" If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." – Luke 14.26

or


"And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death." – Matthew 10.21

or


"He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." – Luke.22:36

Seems warfare and killing a VERY compatible with Christians.

dsomers
22nd February 2006, 09:43
Would you say that all Martial Arts, Budo, Etc. would follow suite to fit within the teachings of Jesus?
Would all paths of Christianity able, and indeed willing to embrace such teachings as those of the Martial nature (Budo, Bushi, Bujutsu, all definitions relating to War, and the intent to Kill)?
What about etiquette such as giving respect and prayer to Kami such as Marishiten?
Arts that have developed along to become sportive, oriented around competitions, would their practice be endorsed by Jesus? (What do the Christian teaching say about winning by subduing others?)

I do have some more questions, but I'll have to think how to phrase them...
Amir,

You raise some very good questions. I will try to answer them as best as I can. Do I think Christianity embraces martial arts, such as Budo? If you would read my article, I point out that Budo translated into english means a way of stopping spear. What is a spear usually used for? Is not generally used for some type of violent act? I would say so. So, if it is a way of stopping a spear, wouldnt that be considered a way of stopping violence? I did not look in your profile, nor do I know if it is listed, so I do not know what style of martial arts you practice. However, within Karate we believe in Karate Ni Sente Nashi, or there is no 1st attack in karate. Indicating it is a art of self defense, not offensive. I think he would not have a problem at all w/ you defending yourself. What do I think his thoughts were in preparing for war, as stated previously: in Psalms 144:1, it tells us, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight". In regards to killing, I do believe that is one of his commandments, is it not? Thou shall not Kill. Like I said, I am not a pastor, priest, or anything like that, I'm just a guy sharing what I love. That is a very good question. I do know killing is a sin, & you can be forgiven for it. However, I cannot give you an answer at this time. I will research it, & get back to you. The same thing on martial sports/competition. I will research it, & get back to you. Please know this will take me sometime, it might not be today, it might not be tommorow, but will find you the answers eventually. Thank you for your questions, they are very thought provoking.

David
PS, almost forgot one more question you brought up:
What about etiquette such as giving respect and prayer to Kami such as Marishiten?
I personally dont bow down to any other Gods. I dont know what others do. I do teach, & perform Rei, but it is not a bow of worship. When I bow, it can be used as a sign of salutation, thanks, respect, but, never out of worship. I've often thought of getting a Kamiza, & actually placing either a picture, or small statue of jesus in it. When I bow to Shomen, at the begining, & end of training, like I said it is not a bow of worship, it it a bow of thanks, & respect. I am bowing cause I am thanking the forfathers of our art, for creating this art, & the teachings they passed on, & to show them respect. As long as i know that, that is all that matters.

dsomers
22nd February 2006, 10:04
Did he?



Sound peaceful to you? Or how about -



or



or



or



Seems warfare and killing a VERY compatible with Christians.

Mr. Kemlo,

It's getting a little late, can, & will answer all of your questions, or address your comments. But, I think you should read the whole chapter thouroughly, w/ an open mind, & it will answer any questions you may have. If not, I will address them as best as I can later in the morning. I just got in from work, it's already past 5 am, & need to do some other things before I get to bed. Some more studying among other things. But, if you do not find the answers within the whole chapter you quoted some verses from, I will be more than happy to address them, when i wake up.

David

dsomers
22nd February 2006, 17:09
Mr. Kemlo wrote:

Quote:
Christ preached peace.



Did he?


Quote:
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." – Matthew 10:34



Sound peaceful to you? Or how about -


Quote:
"For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." – Matthew 10.35,36



or


Quote:
" If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." – Luke 14.26



or


Quote:
"And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death." – Matthew 10.21



or


Quote:
"He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." – Luke.22:36



Seems warfare and killing a VERY compatible with Christians.

My reply:
If you look at Matt 10:1 it states : And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
If you skip down to verse 7 it states: And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. In verse 11 it states: And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. In verse 32, an 33 it states: Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. In verse 37-42 it states: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

He is warning you/us, because even in the begining of time he said in Gen 6:13 : And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

So he knew even back then that we were gonna sin, & he said it, the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

If you go on to mark 13 he warns you further, but he wants you to be prepared, because in John 3:16 it states : For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Further it tells us in Romans 10, that we should believe, please look into it. He knows that we are sinners, and wants us to believe, because in Romans 3:23 it states, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. Please also read isaiah 30:25 on down, it will scare you. He wants you to be prepared. All this stuff is comming true, as he said, and was written, so he wants you to be prepared.

David

dsomers
22nd February 2006, 17:17
Amir,

To answer your question regarding killing please look to these websites, you will find the answers there:
http://i.1asphost.com/waimius/interpretations/killing.htm
http://www.geocities.com/a_christian_conservative/
I still have not forgotten about your question regarding martial sports, competiveness, etc. Please give me more time.

David

Ninjaintraining
23rd February 2006, 04:27
one thing i would like to add also is that the bible was not written by Jesus Christ but by his deciples so they may have added or not added some important detail.


dan waterbury

dsomers
23rd February 2006, 10:58
Dan,

Yes, you are correct, it was not written by Jesus. But, if you read through what is called the gospel of the bible, Matt., Mark, Luke, & John; You will read many things, & it will seem like Dejavu, like you read it before; or that you have read something very similar. Reason being, is because each of these people were witness's to this stuff happening, & they are telling how they seen it.
But, it also states in ephesians 2:11-22
One in Christ
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Further down it is written in eph 4:2-6;
2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

If you look back in Romans 15:20-21 it states:
20It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21Rather, as it is written:
"Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand."

Again go to isaiah 30:25, mark 13, matt 36:44, to see of recent things that have come to pass, and will come shortly.
This is why the bible is the truth, and I believe. I personally know because I have lived Isaiah 54:17. That is why I believe!

P Goldsbury
23rd February 2006, 12:01
Mr Somers,

I have read your article and question the following statement, which I quote:

"Budo, or martial ways, is just like it says, a way of life. But, lets look further into the characters/kanji of Budo. Bu is made up of two characters, one being for the character of stop, the other of the character spear. Do, also sometimes pronounced michi, is often translated as way. So, the characters put together mean way of stopping the spear; so this indicates it is a way of stopping violence."

This is a common peaceful interpretation of BU and I have heard at least one aikido shihan give this explanation during a seminar, in support of his general opinion that aikido is dedicated to world peace. However, do you have any specific evidence for this interpretation?

There is another body of opinion, according to which BU is made up of two characters: one for 'halberd', one for 'foot' or 'stride', and the character means 'forward progress with a weapon': a meaning according to which BU would mean 'start' violence as much as 'stop' it, or stop it in a violent fashion.

In Japanese kanji dictionaries, for example, Morohashi's Dai Kanwa Jiten, the interpretation you have given is there, but the interpretation I have given is also there and older than yours. So we might say that the interpretation of the character by Chinses scholars follows the actual politics of empire-building.

Best wishes,

Blackwood
23rd February 2006, 14:04
What is up with a Senior Moderator posting the same message a dozen times?

ryoishin
23rd February 2006, 14:33
Hey,

Im a christian (trying to be), and I am in my 4th year of studying theology in college (not that that means anything just giving background information on myself). I study traditional jujutsu.

Firstly as a christian, a martial artist and as a human being that I have a responcibility to address injustice in society and in our communities. I have found that this can be done through the martial arts. Practicing martial arts keeps people off the streets and gives them a social outlet to express themselves which can be the cause of many social disturbances etc. For example I know a couple of guys who had drink and drug problems. They started martial arts and because of the training and the general atmosphere and fudoshin development they no longer take drugs and their drinking is under control to an acceptable level.

With regard to turning the other cheek. I believe that this is an attitude that a christian should have (I see it as a human philosophy and not just a christian thing). Its not a combat thing. The guy hits you and you say here the other one to. No. Its a bit like the Japanese way of not letting anyone loose face. I have a right to defend myself and my family. But I dont have the right to hate that person for attacking me nor do I have the right to close off the oppertunity for healing in that suitation between both parties involved. It could be your drunk uncle attacking you because you know martial arts!

I dont like how one particular part of Sripture is used in isolation. The Bible is a collection of teaching and anything in it should not been seen without its place in the entirity of that teaching. For example turn the other cheek is in responce to "eye for eye" being used out of context by people in that culture.

Another point that I would like to address is the compatability of martial arts and christianity. Why not. ok "he who lives by the sword dies by the sword". Well what is your sword training all about. When I practice bikenjutsu everythime I cut I am cuting down my ego. The sword was used to end conflict and this is how I see it. Its not a weapon but a tool to end conflict. Sure it was used to attack but that was also to end some conflict (not all conflict is physical). The japanese understanding of the sword and the culture associated with it is unlike anyother that I have seen (could be wrong) and this gives me a mental approach to christianity that I would nt have had without the martial arts.

Want to say some other stuff esp on the kamidana but I hate reading posts that are too long and Ive waffled to much already.

Thanks guys,

John Timmons
Son of Ironfist
Ryoshin Dojo
Dublin
Ireland

dsomers
23rd February 2006, 16:37
Goldsbury Sensei,

Thank you for your reply. As written on my article, this is my idea of what Budo is from my perspective. Budo, just like religion, of any type, is often times something very personal. While, I have to admit, I did not know about that translation of the Kanji, at this point in time, I would have to say, that this is not my way of thinking personally. I hope you understand, what I am trying to say. That I do accept it, as an interpretation, but it is not the interpretation that I believe in, maybe that makes more sense. Thank you for pointing that out to me, I will put more thought, & prayer into it though. I have to meet w/ my Pastor today for lunch, so I am printing out this discussion to see what his thoughts are, & maybe he can provide me w/ some more knowledge to help me answer some of the unanswered questions.
Thank you very much for sharing that w/ me though, as I have never known.

David

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 17:08
As written on my article, this is my idea of what Budo is from my perspective. Budo, just like religion, of any type, is often times something very personal.yea... you know, it's really best not to bring to much of yourself into your art, especially if you want to keep it traditional. you do know that when you kiai, you're applying kotodama theory from shinto. and you know that when you bow to the kamiza, you're paying respect to the religion of your grand master and not expressing any warship of your own. (therefore if you do put jesus on your kamiza it could be dimly viewed by some practitioners) but, still finding scripture related to doka was quite original (and therefore commendable) thanks for sharing!

Mark Murray
23rd February 2006, 17:34
yea... you know, it's really best not to bring to much of yourself into your art, especially if you want to keep it traditional. you do know that when you kiai, you're applying kotodama theory from shinto. and you know that when you bow to the kamiza, you're paying respect to the religion of your grand master and not expressing any warship of your own. (therefore if you do put jesus on your kamiza it could be dimly viewed by some practitioners) but, still finding scripture related to doka was quite original (and therefore commendable) thanks for sharing!

Colin, could you provide some articles or books that detail kiai as kotodama? I tried to think of anywhere I might have read that and drew a blank. Not to say there aren't any, just I really couldn't remember any and it is an interesting subject.

As for your mention of bowing to kamiza and paying respect to the religion of the grandmaster. Uh, I'd have to disagree with you on that. You're paying respect to the man who accomplished what he did, but not exactly to his religion.

Thanks,

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 18:04
Colin, could you provide some articles or books that detail kiai as kotodama? I tried to think of anywhere I might have read that and drew a blank. Not to say there aren't any, just I really couldn't remember any and it is an interesting subject.
from THE IAIDO NEWSLETTER, (http://www.uoguelph.ca/~kataylor/13TIN91.htm) and a discussion in kendo-world.com (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-5832.html)
As for your mention of bowing to kamiza and paying respect to the religion of the grandmaster. Uh, I'd have to disagree with you on that. You're paying respect to the man who accomplished what he did, but not exactly to his religion.

Thanks,
sorry, let me reiterate... okay, we bow to the kamiza to pay respect to the man and what he did but we keep the kamiza and other such memorabilia to respect his religion. (and way of life)

Mark Murray
23rd February 2006, 18:21
from THE IAIDO NEWSLETTER, (http://www.uoguelph.ca/~kataylor/13TIN91.htm) and a discussion in kendo-world.com (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-5832.html) sorry, let me reiterate... okay, we bow to the kamiza to pay respect to the man and what he did but we keep the kamiza and other such memorabilia to respect his religion. (and way of life)

Thanks for the links. It's a start for me. Haven't read any of the books mentioned, but I don't do kendo. :) Still, I wonder if Okinawan karate had the same origins for their kiai? And aikido ... well, Ueshiba was a deeply religious man. But with that said, I find very few in aikido who use kiai as a religious instrument.

But, yeah, the kamiza can hold religious items. It doesn't have to, but it can. Some only have pictures of the founder, some have more. But, it's mostly a per dojo thing, at least in the places I've been. So, I don't see any reason why you can't have a picture of the founder and a portrait of Jesus.

Thanks,

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 18:37
But, yeah, the kamiza can hold religious items. It doesn't have to, but it can. the kamiza is a religious item I thought (?)
So, I don't see any reason why you can't have a picture of the founder and a portrait of Jesus. I do: he would be inflicting his religion on both his art and his students. ...but it's his gojuryu nahate kirisutokyo monastery...

Mark Murray
23rd February 2006, 18:45
the kamiza is a religious item I thought (?) I do: he would be inflicting his religion on both his art and his students. ...but it's his gojuryu nahate kirisutokyo monastery...

Mr. Goldsbury can probably correct me but I thought the kamiza was just a shelf where a shrine could be placed. Not necessarily a religious item in and of itself, the kamiza holds the religious item. So, no, he wouldn't be inflicting his religion on anyone just by having a kamiza.

Even if one has a portrait of Jesus, that doesn't inflict a religion upon anyone. It is an individual choice to stay or not to stay.

Thanks,

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 19:11
Mr. Goldsbury can probably correct me but I thought the kamiza was just a shelf where a shrine could be placed. Not necessarily a religious item in and of itself, the kamiza holds the religious item. So, no, he wouldn't be inflicting his religion on anyone just by having a kamiza.
kamiza is still shinto memorabilia no matter the items, or lack thereof.
Even if one has a portrait of Jesus, that doesn't inflict a religion upon anyone. It is an individual choice to stay or not to stay. we have the picture of the founder on the kamiza so we can have the feeling the founder is watching us... however, most non- christians do not want to practice with the feeling that christ is watching them... I'm going to have to call religious discrimination there...
Thanks, thank you

Mark Murray
23rd February 2006, 19:43
kamiza is still shinto memorabilia no matter the items, or lack thereof. we have the picture of the founder on the kamiza so we can have the feeling the founder is watching us... however, most non- christians do not want to practice with the feeling that christ is watching them... I'm going to have to call religious discrimination there... thank you

Hmmm ... I see. I use "kamiza" as an overall term. I'm most likely not using it correctly. So, rather than say kamiza, how about tokonoma? Most dojos tend to use kamiza and not tokonoma, so the usage has been somewhat generalized. So, if you have a tokonoma with a picture of O-sensei and a portrait of Jesus, you'd be fine. Besides the fact that some wouldn't want to study (which would be a personal choice) under those circumstances. And just the opposite is true. A lot of christians don't want to study because of the "non-christian" (as they call it) religious nature of the dojo environment. Either way, it's a personal, individual choice to be a part of the dojo or not.

Thanks,

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 20:22
Hmmm ... I see. I use "kamiza" as an overall term. I'm most likely not using it correctly. So, rather than say kamiza, how about tokonoma?sure, tokonoma sounds nice and neutral.
So, if you have a tokonoma with a picture of O-sensei and a portrait of Jesus, you'd be fine. no I would not; jesus is a religious figure but osensei is not. and why would jesus get a portrait but osensei just a picture?
A lot of christians don't want to study because of the "non-christian" (as they call it) religious nature of the dojo environment. they choose not to practice because of the lack of religion?! that just does not seem so reasonable to me.
Either way, it's a personal, individual choice to be a part of the dojo or not. yes. and I would rather not train under someone who: is reluctant to show credentials, does not teach women or children, teaches in a private (hence possibly uninsured) dojo with a portrait of jesus over the tokonoma. I have been down that road... it's not pretty...

Mark Murray
23rd February 2006, 20:26
sure, tokonoma sounds nice and neutral. no I would not; jesus is a religious figure but osensei is not. and why would jesus get a portrait but osensei just a picture? they choose not to practice because of the lack of religion?! that just does not seem so reasonable to me. yes. and I would rather not train under someone who: is reluctant to show credentials, does not teach women or children, teaches in a private (hence possibly uninsured) dojo with a portrait of jesus over the tokonoma. I have been down that road... it's not pretty...

Um, well, O-sensei gets a picture because there are actual pictures of him. Jesus has none, so he gets a portrait. Again, probably semantics, but you can't have a picture of Jesus because cameras did not exist then. :)

No, christians don't train because of a lack of religion, they don't train because of the religion that's there -- shinto, buddhism, zen, etc.

Again, it's all individual preference. Some people would train that way, some won't.

momoyama katsu
23rd February 2006, 20:51
Um, well, O-sensei gets a picture because there are actual pictures of him. Jesus has none, so he gets a portrait. Again, probably semantics, but you can't have a picture of Jesus because cameras did not exist then.sounds reasonable.
No, christians don't train because of a lack of religion, they don't train because of the religion that's there -- shinto, buddhism, zen, etc. the difference is... *darn you're making me think*... the shinto and buddhist memorabilia is there to remind us of the traditions from which the art came. however, unless you practice kajukenbo, jesus is not part of that tradition.
Again, it's all individual preference. Some people would train that way, some won't. I'll have to refer you to the last bit in my above post, but yes.

dsomers
23rd February 2006, 21:18
Very interesting thoughts, questions, etc, I love it! Right now, I dont have the time to really respond, cause I gotta work tonight, & have to get some rest. But, I will reply either later, or tommorrow. Which will give me time to think, pray, & research, as well.
Untill then, have a great day!

David

P Goldsbury
23rd February 2006, 22:14
What is up with a Senior Moderator posting the same message a dozen times?

Are you refering to me? If so, perhaps you would like to explain what you mean.

Best wishes,

Inazuma
23rd February 2006, 22:15
Just to correct a statement before, there is nowhere in the bible (haven't read the New Testament though, so I talk of the original one) where it says 'Thou shall not kill' that's a usual misquote by someone who haven't read it in the Hebrew text. (Which, come to think about it, does reconcile somewhat Budo and Judaism... *Shrug* )

In the end many Warriors of previous ages (by that I mean Knights) were ordained by the Church, and fought for the Church... So clearly if the Pope does mind some blood, then well, why not?
However, many of the traditions followed through within the Japanese Martial Arts do stem from religious context (am I wrong?), and yes one can always find personal ways to interpet the words of god and make foreign concepts fit within their comfort zone of religion, it still falls that when one gives respect to the Kami (Marishiten is the example that I am familiar with), one breaks the code of 'Thou shalt make no false idols' (or something of the like).
Personally, I'm not a big fan of religion (any kind), but whatever works for you, as long as you're happy, we're happy :)

Blackwood
23rd February 2006, 22:37
Are you refering to me? If so, perhaps you would like to explain what you mean.

Best wishes,

Peter, For whatever reason, when I looked at this thread, your post was duplicated 12 times, taking the thread well into the third page. I suspect one of the other moderators may have deleted the duplicates. My post was to call someone's attention to the glitch, not trying to be disrepectful!

P Goldsbury
23rd February 2006, 23:50
Peter, For whatever reason, when I looked at this thread, your post was duplicated 12 times, taking the thread well into the third page. I suspect one of the other moderators may have deleted the duplicates. My post was to call someone's attention to the glitch, not trying to be disrepectful!

I see. On my own computer my post appeared just once.

dsomers
24th February 2006, 10:01
Kami means God. Za means seat. It can be any God, mine just so happens to be Jesus Christ. If I wanna put a portrait up there fine. It's also fine that you dont want to train w/ me. I'm sure others might feel the same way, that's fine. They can also perform a bow of thanks, or respect, rather then one of worship, if that would make them feel better. As long as in their heart, what their doing is right for them, thats all that matters. To each their own. If they still dont understand, & dont agree to any of it, maybe they should either find another Dojo, or maybe not even consider training. Also, since I will be teaching privately, I can/will select my students. If I sense that we might butt heads, I dont have to allow them to train w/ me. I have to be selective, as I will teach out of my home 1st, & then eventually open a Dojo in a small building, where I can accept students more freely. But, as it is/will be my house I have to be selective. I dont know how/why this stuff got brought up in this thread anyway, it should of been kept in the other thread. However, since it was brought up, no worries, that is what my wife does, writes policies for a national level insurance company. But, trying to get back to the original subject a bit, when I just looked at the Kanji for Kami, I noticed it is the same for the character often pronounced Jin. Can anybody tell me why? Also, if Za means seat, what does the term sei, as in Seiza mean?

David

P Goldsbury
24th February 2006, 10:53
Mr Somers,

When Chinese characters were introduced to Japan, approximations of Chinese readings were also introduced, as well as the meanings.

Thus JIN, SHIN were Japanese adaptations of the Chinese pronunciation of the character. Kami was the Japanese word and so the same character was read in more than one way. Similarly ZA can also be read as suwaru/suwari and SEI as tadashii (meaning 'correct' or 'accurate').

A common convention is to mark the Chinese readings with capitals and Japanese readings with lower case letters.

Kami can of, course, be translated as God, but it also means deity.

Best wishes,

dsomers
24th February 2006, 10:57
Thank you, can you also tell me what Dana means, as in Kamidana?

David

johan smits
24th February 2006, 11:11
Dear Mr. Somers,

Your article is interesting and lest I be misunderstood I do believe it is very good people try to live their life in a spiritual manner.
My answer to your question:
I do believe the Christian faith has a formidable thing in common with budo so in that aspect the two should go well together.

But I mean this in a very different way.
In my opinion, the Christian faith (or whatever religion or faith) and budo are man-made. Born out of a inbred desire to find stability and protection in an everchanging and hostile environment.
It is in our genes, to seek protection and leadership from the strong and mighty. Be it a god, the head of a tribe, a medieval nobleman or daimyo it doesn't matter.
On a smaller scale in the Western world the authority in a family would be structured loosely upon the Christian faith with father being the almighty, mother the go-between and the children the obedient people.
You can fill in sensei, sempai and students.

Best regards,

Johan Smits

P Goldsbury
24th February 2006, 11:49
Thank you, can you also tell me what Dana means, as in Kamidana?

David

Dana 棚 means shelf, as in bookshelf, ledge or mantlepiece. So kamidana is the shelf for the kami or deities who are believed to protect the household. Some households will also have a BUTSUDAN, or Buddhist altar. This DAN is quite different from the dana above and has the primary sense of altar, stage or podium/rostrum.

In an earlier post tokonoma 床の間 was mentioned. This is a space or alcove and usually contains a makimono 巻物 or hanging scroll. In my house here in Hiroshima, the tokonoma is large enough for an altar, but it contains a hondana, or bookself, not a kamidana. It also has a makimono, with a picture painted by an old student of mine.

dsomers
24th February 2006, 15:18
Thank you Goldsbury Sensei! I have a question, & this question may, or may not backfire on my previous posts, but, want to be accurate; As I am a seeker of truth, not just from within my own religion, but, in all things. You confirmed that the word (or Kanji for) Kami means God, in a general point of view, from the Japanese mind, is this a shinto, or perhaps even a Buddhist God, or can Kami refer to any God, as in the way I am thinking? If I would place a statue of Jesus, or picture of him within the Kamiza, would that be wrong? Please, not from with your own personal belief, but, as a general idea, of how the Japanese in general would think? I guess what I am getting at, is when they say, or use the word Kami, can it be used to describe my God, or any God, or is it just a word used for a Shinto/Buddhist God? The reason I ask, cause within my dictionary, all it says is God, it doesnt talk about what kind of God, it is, or does it matter, as long as it is a God, & the one you personally believe in? Again, thank you for your help.

David

dsomers
24th February 2006, 15:49
Smits San wrote:

In my opinion, 1.the Christian faith (or whatever religion or faith) and 2.budo are man-made.

My reply:
Yes, it is your opinion.
However to give an answer to your comments, or should I say a reply see post 21 in this thread.

To answer this further take a look at this:

Genesis 1:26-27 (King James Version)
26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

To reply to the 2nd part of your comment, as I written earlier:
In Psalms 144:1,
it tells us, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight".

So to summarize, we are of one body, we were created in his image, and he is my strength, who has provided me not only life, but knowledge , & wisdom to fight, and/or defend myself, but knowledge, & wisdom of everything in life.

David

momoyama katsu
24th February 2006, 15:50
in a general point of view, from the Japanese mind, is this a shinto, or perhaps even a Buddhist God, or can Kami refer to any God, as in the way I am thinking? from what I know... Mr. goldsbury could correct me but... kami (in shinto) refers to an ancestral spirit, much like in taoism. in a more broad sense of the term, satan could be referred to as kami. (but more accurately mono)
If I would place a statue of Jesus, or picture of him within the Kamiza, would that be wrong? Please, not from with your own personal belief, but, as a general idea, of how the Japanese in general would think? I guess what I am getting at, is when they say, or use the word Kami, can it be used to describe my God, or any God, or is it just a word used for a Shinto/Buddhist God? historically, the first japanese "christians" were just shinto with crucifixes and jesus statues on there kamidana... they ended up going to niether shrine nore church... the other japanese feared them... so I hope that gives you a clue!

Mark Murray
24th February 2006, 16:34
from what I know... Mr. goldsbury could correct me but... kami (in shinto) refers to an ancestral spirit, much like in taoism. in a more broad sense of the term, satan could be referred to as kami. (but more accurately mono) historically, the first japanese "christians" were just shinto with crucifixes and jesus statues on there kamidana... they ended up going to niether shrine nore church... the other japanese feared them... so I hope that gives you a clue!

Colin, regarding the latter part of your post -- Please post the relevant historical research for your theory. You're speaking for a lot of Japanese who are long dead. With at least some basis for your ideas, we'll have a starting ground to understand where you're coming from and how to debate and/or talk from there. But just saying that the Japanese feared the "Christian" Japanese and that they never attended a "church" is too sweeping and general a phrase that might not be valid for all Japanese since we have but one opinion so far. :)

Thanks,

momoyama katsu
24th February 2006, 16:45
Colin, regarding the latter part of your post -- Please post the relevant historical research for your theory. You're speaking for a lot of Japanese who are long dead. With at least some basis for your ideas, we'll have a starting ground to understand where you're coming from and how to debate and/or talk from there. But just saying that the Japanese feared the "Christian" Japanese and that they never attended a "church" is too sweeping and general a phrase that might not be valid for all Japanese since we have but one opinion so far. :)

Thanks,
yea... I was basically just told that...and the person who told me is not the greatest japanologist in the world... he may have gotten it from "Yankees in the land of the gods", but I don't know. I will do a little research on the matter but until the... please take it with a grain of salt. and please excuse all the ellipses. EDIT: here's something against my statement. (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2298.html) I gues the person who told me that was full of it.

P Goldsbury
24th February 2006, 22:57
Mr Somers,

You are correct. I have a Japanese Catholic Mass Book and on Page 24 (chosen at random) there is the following English sentence:
"Father, all-powerful and living GOD, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ out Lord."
In Japanese (Romaji) this becomes:
"Sei naru Chichi, zennou eien no KAMI, itsu doko demo Shu Kirisuto ni yotte, sambi to kansha wo sasageru koto wa, makoto ni toutoi taisetsuna tsutome desu." (The Japanese enthusiasts in this forum can work out the grammar :) ).

So, in modern Japanese, the God that Japanese Catholics worship is referred to as KAMI. Similarly, the deities represented on the kamidana or who were the object of Morihei Ueshiba's religious preoccupations at Iwama are also referred to as KAMI. Some Japanese, aikido shihan, for example, who would ultimately regard themselves as Shinto believers if pushed to indicate their religion in one word, would argue that KAMI is an incorrect translation for the Christian 'God'. But there simply is no other word available and so, as with other Japanese concepts that are 'non-Japanese' in origin, the traditional meaning was broadened to include the 'new' ideas.

There is a fair amount of material on this in English and if you are interested, I will post a few titles later.

Best wishes,

momoyama katsu
24th February 2006, 23:08
There is a fair amount of material on this in English and if you are interested, I will post a few titles later.I'm quite interested, please post the titles!

P Goldsbury
25th February 2006, 01:20
Here are a few books that I have at home:

Joseph Kitagawa: Religion in Japanese History (Columbia U.P,, latest reprint: 1990), especially Chapters I, IV, V and VI.
Joseph Kitagawa: On Understanding Japanese Religion (Princeton U.P. 1987), especially Parts I and V.
Inoue Nobutaka: Shinto--A Short History (London, Routledge-Curzon, 2003), especialy the copious references to kami in the index on pp. 211-212.
H Byron Earhart: Japanese Religion: Unity and Diversity (Thomson/Wadsworth, latest edition: 2004). This is a texbook, with notes, study questions and an annotated bibiography.
H Byron Earhart, Religion in the Japanese Experience: Sources and Interpretations (Thomson/Wadsworth, latest edition 1997). This is a collection of extracts from variious sources, meant to go with the textbook cited above.
George H Tanabe Jr (Ed): Religions of Japan in Practice (Princeton U.P.1999). This is a collection of articles, with some very good contributions. It is hard to single out particular gems, but the sections on Gods and Spirits is noteworthy.
Ian Reader & George H Tanabe Jr: Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religions of Japan (Hawai'i U.P. 1998). This is a very interesting book, dealing with the practical benefits that Japanese expect any religion to offer.
Michael Cooper S.J: Rodrigues the Interpreter: An Early Jesuit in Japan and China (Weatherhill, latest edition: 1994). This is a study of Joao Rodrigues, a Portuguese who arrived in Japan in 1577. Chapter 10, on the grammar of Japanese he wrote, has some relevance to the specific issues discussed in this thread.

If this is not enough, I have other books in my study at Hiroshima University...

Best regards to all,

momoyama katsu
25th February 2006, 01:52
thanks, Mr. goldsburry.

dsomers
25th February 2006, 01:54
Goldsbury Sensei,

Thank you very much for all your help, I appreciate it very much, & thanks for the links, as well.

David

dsomers
26th February 2006, 20:35
Arts that have developed along to become sportive, oriented around competitions, would their practice be endorsed by Jesus? (What do the Christian teaching say about winning by subduing others?)

Amir,

I have finally found the answer, here is some scripture for you:

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)


19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

David

JasonW
1st March 2006, 06:29
Hi Peter,

Getting back to argument over the original meaning of the character "budo"
and whether it means a)

Bu is made up of two characters, one being for the character of stop, the other of the character spear. Do, also sometimes pronounced michi, is often translated as way. So, the characters put together mean way of stopping the spear; so this indicates it is a way of stopping violence."

or b)

There is another body of opinion, according to which BU is made up of two characters: one for 'halberd', one for 'foot' or 'stride', and the character means 'forward progress with a weapon': a meaning according to which BU would mean 'start' violence as much as 'stop' it, or stop it in a violent fashion.

Over on Aikidojournal you replied in our discussion on "Budo" http://www.aikidojournal.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8205 :)

The meaning of 止 as todomeru (ashiato - foot) was current in Kokotsubun (the oldest written evidence, from around 3,000 BCE). In Setsubun (the writing current around 1,800 BCE), the meaning of 止 as stop became prevalent (with the meaning of BU as a line of spears stopping a disturbance before it has chance to arise).

I find it curious that we are arguing over the etymological meaning of this character in relation to Japanese martial arts, when the usage of 止 became "stop" as opposed to "foot" in, as you say, 1800BC. This would be a good 1500 years before Sun Zi's "Art of War", and roughly 2300 years before writing Chinese characters even started in Japan.

At the time when the character 武 was taken and used in the context of martial arts, particularly Japanese martial arts, it already meant "stop" + "halberd", not "walk" + "halberd".

Any writers in Japan who chose to write their thoughts with this character would have thus been using 武 with the understanding that it meant "stopping violence", so I believe when discussing the philosphical aspects of "Budo", we should take its meaning to be defensive, and not offensive.

To say that "budo" in Japanese literature means "walk to battle" because that's what it originally meant 2300 years ago in China is a bit disingenious I think.

(also posted on Aikidojournal Allan Beebe "Bun Bu Ichi" thread)

cheers,

Josh Reyer
1st March 2006, 15:39
Reply to Jason posted on Aikido Journal thread.

BeginnerDavid
8th August 2006, 15:56
I am also a Christian, and have struggled a lot with the idea of my faith and the Martial Arts. My thanks go to Dave Somers for his excellent insights in this area.

The Bible tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it does use the analogy of battle a lot. I think it helps us to understand those parables better if we really understand what the battle analogies mean.

For example in Hebrews 4:12 it says "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - I feel I have developed a greater reverence for God's word since holding a shinken and understanding how sharp it is, and knowing that God's word is even more formidable as a weapon.

In practicing Iaido, we don't practice against an opponent (that would be painful!), but always with the intention that we are facing an opponent equal in size and ability to oneself. The only way to beat that opponent is to better yourself. The idea of defeating selfishness is also one of the key themes of Christianity.

Toward the end of the Bible, four visions of the destructive passions of human beings are presented, the "four horsemen of the apocalypse". The first goes out bent on conquest and dominion, the second with greed, the third with a SWORD to make war, and the fourth is Death himself. These pretty much cover all of the things that make us destroy eachother, jealousy, greed, wrath and pure self-destructiveness. One of my favourite stories of budo is that of Bokuden Tsukahara, whose response to a braggart challenger was to explain that he was a master of the 'No Sword School'. When challenged to a duel, he found a deserted island, steered the ship towards it... and left, with the braggart samurai now stuck on the island. To win without drawing the sword was indeed the ultimate goal of the samurai, and this seems to diffuse the destructiveness that anger and rage can have.

Matthew 26:51-2 tells of the time Jesus was being arrested to be taken to his trial and crucifixion.
"With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."
Jesus Christ's triumph over death comes across as the ultimate example of winning without drawing the sword. The self-control that came with knowing His power was greater than the power of death, and that He had a purpose more important even than His own life, gave Jesus the strength to endure all things, even death on a cross. His righteousness has become our salvation.

The self control that comes from practicing the martial arts correctly can increase our ability to stand up for peace in the face of violent people. This kind of transcendence I also understand to be at the heart of budo and Zen Buddhism, though it has its' greatest example in Christ. Of course, when badly practiced, with bad philosophy, the martial arts can also make people more violent and more arrogant. Anything that strengthens the goodness of a good person can equally strengthen the evil of a bad person.

St Augustine said: "Stir a perfume and a fine scent emerges, stir a cesspit and a foul stench arises, it is the same movement that reveals both." Martial training is one such example of a discipline that reveals both. You won't become good by doing martial arts, but you may discover how bad you are. Christianity is unique among the world's religions because it says you can't climb your way up to God, you can only climb down from your own arrogance and understand your sinfulness, and your need for God's love.

Philippians 2:3-11 is a passage on self-control, humility and service that summarises the heart of Christianity, but can be valued by all, particularly those who understand budo, for its' truth.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became obedient to death--
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."